In today’s Fact or Fiction, I look at three big recent topics in college football and decide whether the statement is indeed FACT or if it’s FICTION.
1. Sonny Dykes is right about guaranteed byes.
Farrell’s take: FACT
The TCU coach was outspoken about the potential for byes for SEC or Big Ten schools in the expanded playoff (14 or 16), and many others have followed suit, which is why that talk has diminished. A bye for one or two conferences and not others is an absolute joke, and Dykes made a good point about the NFL. Just because the Dallas Cowboys bring in a strong fan base and TV viewers doesn’t mean they should get a bye without merit vs a team like Houston.
2. Shedeur Sanders should be higher than No. 8 at QB.
Farrell’s take: FACT
I saw this list on ESPN with the Colorado QB No. 8 behind guys like Jalen Milroe, Jaxson Dart, and others, and it didn’t make sense. As critical as I’ve been of Sanders and his flashy personality and apparent “me first” attitude, he’s shown he deserves to be at least No. 6, if not in the top five. His TD-to-interception ratio of 27-3 behind a horrible offensive line alone should rank him ahead of Milroe, Dart, and perhaps more.
3. Nico Iamaleava is the SEC breakout QB of 2024.
Farrell’s take: FACT
And this isn’t even close. Yes, the Joe Milton hype was dumb after he finished 2022 very well after Hendon Hooker got injured, but we all knew Milton was limited and had no touch. Iamaleava is more like Hooker as a guy who makes quick reads, is accurate, and won’t turn the ball over. Some are on the Garrett Nussmeier bandwagon at LSU, and Brock Vandagriff at Kentucky is a nice fit, but give me Nico.
